The Best Anti-Aging Creams

Thursday, September 28th

2023 Anti-Aging Cream Reviews

Murad

• Extensive anti-aging product line
• Create your own serum or buy ready-made products
• Take quiz to determine needs
• Free skincare consultation via video
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for over 30 years

Dr. Murad launched his skincare line in 1990, based on the premise that "skincare is healthcare" . Everything in this product line uses science to promote wellness, not just for your skin but for your life as a whole. We can definitely get behind anti-aging creams from a company whose ideal is "Stress less. Be imperfect. Live longer."

Plenty of help in getting your ideal skincare routine

You've got a lot to choose from at Murad, from wrinkle corrector and eye serum to overnight moisturizers and daily SPF creams. You could feel overwhelmed - or you could take advantage of Murad's many tools to guide your decision. Look under the tab at the top that says "Skin Services" to get started. You can take a brief quiz to get a customized list of product recommendations (though we didn't see any options to indicate that dry skin was our biggest concern). You can also create your very own serum.

Consult with an expert

Our favorite feature here is the ability to book virtual consultations with skincare experts. Their no-cost option is setting up an appointment with a Murad skin wellness coach: assess your concerns and goals, learn about your "skin wellness score" , and get personalized skin and lifestyle tips to help your skin be more healthy and radiant. If you need something more clinical, you can book a virtual dermatologist visit through Sesame, a third-party service; your price will vary based on the professional you choose, but going through Murad gets you a 20% discount on your first consultation.

Effective, affordable night cream

But, let's assume you want to jump right in and buy an anti-aging cream from Murad. We'd recommend checking out their Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream. Priced at $86 for a 1.7 fl.oz. jar, this product is good for all skin types and 83% of users noticed that their skin was more supple and firm in just four weeks. Out of over 300 reviews on the site, the cream averages an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. You can read the full ingredient list on the product page, but Murad highlights its "retinol tri-active technology" (with a retinoid, retinol, and retinol booster) plus niacinamide and picolinamide to strengthen the protective barrier of your skin.

Lots of opportunities to save money

Would you like to save 20% on your first Murad order? Watch for a pop-up asking for your email address. That will sign you up for their email newsletter and get you that discount. Another way to save money is to subscribe for automatic shipments: you'll get free shipping and a 10% savings on each order. Even without these savings, all of Murad's product line is competitively priced with other anti-aging creams and serums on the market, with nothing over $100 (unless you buy several items bundled as a regimen or kit).

60-day refund period

Murad makes it risk-free to try their skincare products. You have 60 days to decide if you're seeing the results you hoped for, and if not, they'll gladly refund your money. You'll have to pay for the return postage, and make sure that Murad gets your package within 60 days of when they sent it to you.

Phenomenal reputation

The Better Business Bureau holds Murad in high regard, giving the company a perfect "A+" rating and accreditation. Customers agree: it's practically impossible to find a Murad product that doesn't have almost all five-star ratings. People swear by the results of the anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and pretty much everything this company sells.

Recycle your empties - free postage

Finally, Murad goes the extra mile towards sustainability by partnering with TerraCycle. You can sign up on the Murad website to get a free shipping label to recycle your empty jars, bottles, and containers.

Still the #1 choice for anti-aging creams

Murad easily keeps its first-place ranking among retailers of anti-aging creams. They offer numerous ways to find the skincare routine that's perfect for you, their products deliver what they promise, and Murad's 60-day refund policy lets you see for yourself. This should be the first place you shop as you develop your anti-aging regimen.

H-Glow Formula

• All natural: formulated using pure plant extracts
• $32.95 for an 11mL bottle
• Free shipping if your order is over $49
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the USA
• "A+" rated by the BBB
• In business for over 20 years

Healing Natural Oils was well ahead of the essential oils "craze" of recent years. In business for more than two decades, the company takes an all-natural approach to a wide variety of skin problems and health challenges, including skin tags, moles, and beyond.

Essential oil formula, not a cream

HNO's main anti-aging product isn't a cream but rather an oil-based formula called H-Glow. You might not think that "oil" and "skin" are a healthy combination, but think of it more as plant extracts instead of anything that goes on feeling greasy. H-Glow is made up of the following:

• Frankincense essential oil: strengthens skin, improves tone and elasticity
• Helichrysum italicum flower oil: promotes healthy skin cell growth and regeneration
• Avocado oil: nourishes and moisturizes
• Rosehip seed oil: known as the "oil of youth" for its healing, regenerative properties
• Jojoba oil: reduces the appearance of fine lines, hydrates, contains antioxidants
• Additional ingredients: These include hazel seed oil and carrot seed oil

A little goes a long way

Apply H-Glow to your freshly-cleansed face and neck. You can also massage more drops directly into any fine lines you wish to target. If you follow this routine 2-3 times per day, you should see an improvement in your skin's appearance within several weeks. A small bottle of product should last for 100 applications, and a single drop of formula goes a long way.

Very affordable

As you browse the store, keep an eye out for pop-ups. We got an offer with a $5 discount if we signed up for their mailing list. The good news is that H-Glow is already really affordable at just $32.95 for an 11mL bottle. Healing Natural Oils also sells this product in a 33mL bottle, but it was out of stock at the time of this review.

Reputation is consistently excellent

Healing Natural Oils has a fantastic reputation, both as a company and H-Glow itself as an anti-aging treatment. They've got an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and that grade has been consistent over the many years we've evaluated this retailer's products. On top of that, H-Glow has almost 100 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. We were happy to read comments from shoppers who have used this anti-aging regimen for years and love how well it works.

90-day refund period

Still not sure? You can try it for yourself, for up to 90 days. If H-Glow doesn't leave your skin looking and feeling better than ever, just return the unused portion of the product and Healing Natural Oils will give you a full refund. It's that easy.

A worthy alternative to anti-aging creams

Yes, it's fair to say that if you specifically want an anti-aging cream, H-Glow won't be the product for you. On the other hand, if you love the idea of an all-natural product that comes with an exceptional satisfaction guarantee and you don't care whether it's a cream or made with essential oils, you'll definitely want to consider adding H-Glow to your skincare routine.

RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging

• Use daily to get noticeable improvements within 4-12 weeks
• $19.97 for a one-month supply
• America's #1 Most Awarded Retinol
• Clinically proven and dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Brand in business for over 65 years

RoC has been around for more than 65 years, bringing the first-ever hypoallergenic skincare formulations to market in Paris. The company was also the first to develop UV protection in sunscreen and to invent a stabilization method for Retinol, what they call the "greatest discovery in the history of skincare" . While the brand has numerous products for your skin, our review focuses on one of RoC's most popular anti-aging creams: Retinol Correxion.

Main active ingredient: Retinol

While there's a long list of unpronounceable ingredients in Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Night Cream, there's just one easy-to-say component you need to know: Retinol. In fact, RoC says that their formulation is America's "#1 Most Awarded Retinol" .

Don't forget your sunscreen

This anti-aging cream is only applied at night, "when skin is most receptive for repair and renewal" . RoC recommends using it only every other night at first, gradually increasing to nightly use. You should already be using sunscreen daily, but make absolutely sure to do so when Retinol Correxion is part of your routine: the Alpha Hydroxy Acid it contains can increase your risk of sunburn.

See improvements in days, not weeks or months

People who have used RoC's Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging cream describe it as delivering noticeable improvement in just a few days: no need to wait a month or longer to see results. Wherever we looked, we found shoppers rated this product as a 4-star treatment, out of five stars. A few users complained about clogged pores after applying this RoC cream, but the vast majority have no problems and use it on a daily basis.

Most affordable anti-aging product in our review

Another great reason to try this anti-aging product is the price. You'll spend about $20 for a monthly supply, which is the most affordable product we found.

Good price, great results for most

RoC practically invented Retinol as an anti-aging treatment, so why not stick to a tried-and-true original? This cream is affordable and effective, and the only downside is having to be careful with your sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging by RoC is a fantastic option for helping your skin look young again.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

• $29.99 for a 1.7 oz jar
• Active ingredients: hyaluronic acid and retinol
• Younger-looking skin in just one week
• Fragrance-free

Neutrogena is "the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand" and is part of the Johnson & Johnson family. From skin to hair, makeup and more, you'll find Neutrogena almost anywhere you shop for personal care products. There are several anti-aging options offered by this brand, and we've chosen to review one of Neutrogena's most popular creams: Rapid Wrinkle Repair.

Go slow and wear SPF 30+

This anti-aging cream uses three main ingredients: Retinol SA (which delivers accelerated benefits) for surface renewal, hyaluronic acid for plumping hydration, and glucose complex to strengthen the skin barrier. Neutrogena recommends that you begin slowly with Rapid Wrinkle Repair, because you may experience some redness or exfoliation when using it. If this is your first time using a retinol product, try gradually working up to a twice-daily application. And, as with any skin treatment containing retinol, it's important to use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher because you're at an increased risk of sunburn.

Competitively priced

Price-wise, Rapid Wrinkle Repair is in the middle: not the most or the least expensive we've seen - you'll pay $29.99 for a 1.7 oz jar. But, since you may not be using it at the recommended twice-daily amount right away, one jar may last you quite a while.

Works well and fast for many customers

The more important question about this anti-aging cream is "Does it work?" For some people, the answer is "yes" and "quickly" . Neutrogena isn't exaggerating when they say you could see results within the first week of use: we found plenty of comments from customers who can confirm that. Many of them mention that stinging and burning sensation associated with the retinol, but a good moisturizer applied after Rapid Wrinkle Repair has had some time to soak in usually takes care of that.

A little too much to handle for some

On the other hand, we found enough less-than-enthusiastic reviews about Rapid Wrinkle Repair to prevent Neutrogena's anti-aging cream from being one of our favorites. For some, the burning feeling was too much to take on a daily basis. And, like any beauty product, results vary because no two people are the same.

See how it works for you

Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair isn't a bad option among anti-aging treatments. If you're hoping for noticeable results in the least amount of time and you can tolerate some discomfort, go for it. But, if your skin tends to be more sensitive than most, you may want to try a non-retinol cream first - or, at the very least, try one of the options from Neutrogena's rivals to see if the formulation is easier for you to tolerate than this maximum-strength product.

Lancome Renergie Lift

• $130 for a 2.6 oz jar
• Key ingredients are shea butter and hyaluronic acid
• Overnight moisturizer
• Helps reduce the signs of aging while improving skin's firmness

Lancome is one of several brands under the L'Oreal umbrella, though this brand encompasses the luxury end of the spectrum. Originally started in France in 1935, Lancome specialized in fragrances and then quickly expanded to include makeup, cosmetics and skincare products.

Works while you sleep

You'll find quite a few options in Lancome's anti-aging product line, and we've opted to review the Renergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Moisturizer. It works while you sleep to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, using shea butter and hyaluronic acid to both tighten and hydrate your skin. As you would anticipate with a night cream, apply Renergie Lift before bed after you've removed your makeup and thoroughly cleansed your face.

Spend more - but get more too

This product is definitely on the more expensive side, coming in $130 per jar. However, you'll get 2.6 oz in each jar, which is 50% more than many of the anti-aging creams in our review. So yes, you'll spend more - but it should last you longer than other products.

Mixed results

How well does Renergie Lift do its job? That depends on who you ask. There are lots of customers who give this anti-aging cream a five-star rating. Many of those reviewers have used this Lancome product for years on a daily basis; they swear by it and won't use anything else. Other people say that they've gotten better results with other moisturizers - either from another brand or even a different Lancome formula (we found more than one mention of their Absolute and "anti-rides" in a white jar being more effective).

Choose a refund-friendly retailer

We'd recommend choosing a retailer with a generous return policy if you're going to give Renergie Lift a try. Customer feedback leads us to believe that this anti-aging cream can take a while to see results, and you'll benefit from being able to get a refund if it doesn't work for you.

Decent results but expensive

If you've tried other anti-aging nighttime moisturizers to no avail, Lancome's Renergie Lift could be an investment worth looking into. The brand is reliable and plenty of people have had success using this particular cream for many years. However, the higher-than-average price tag would have us considering more affordable options first, leaving the Lancome product as a backup.

Skinception

• $59.95 for a 1-month supply
• Products for short- and long-term anti-aging effects
• 67-day satisfaction guarantee
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for over 20 years

Skinception is a product line created by Dr. Dave David, founder of Medical Face & Body Aesthetics in Boston. Because of his background in aesthetic procedures, he is well aware that not every individual is a good candidate for injectables, surgery, or laser treatments; Skinception is his way of providing those kinds of results with no in-office procedures.

Pay about $60/month

There are two main anti-aging products in Skinception's inventory: Kollagen Intensiv and Instant Wrinkle Reducer. Whether you choose Kollagen Intensiv or Instant Wrinkle Reducer, the price is the same: $59.95 for a one-month supply, $154.95 for a three-month supply, and $289.95 for a six-month supply. The Kollagen Intensiv was the better deal, though: it came with a free sensitive wash cloth, a $25 gift card for Skinception's parent company, Leading Edge Health, and two additional jars of anti-aging cream (when purchasing the 6-month supply). Which one should you choose?

Instant Wrinkle Reducer for short-term improvements

These products work in two very different ways to give you that younger look you want. Think of Instant Wrinkle Reducer as your quick fix: you've got a fun night out and you don't want your face giving away your age. It uses a Botox-derived peptide, Argireline, combined with hyaluronic acid to freeze muscular contractions and leave your skin vibrant and plump. Out of nearly 70 reviews, Instant Wrinkle Reducer had a perfect 5/5-star average (but we thought it was odd and, honestly, disappointing not to be able to see any of those reviews or customer comments).

Kollagen Intensiv for your daily skincare routine

Kollagen Intensiv is your day-to-day anti-aging cream. We encourage you to read the ingredients list on the Skinception website; some notable inclusions are Syn-Coll (a patented peptide that improves the appearance of wrinkles by as much as 354% in under 90 days), shea butter, cucumber fruit extract, and green tea leaf extract. Apply once in the morning and once in the evening to improve your skin's production of collagen, firm and tone, moisturize and hydrate, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and repair age spots and sun damage. Once again, we weren't able to read any of the 50+ reviews that went into the four-star average Skinceptions displayed for Kollagen Intensiv: we would have liked to see what people had to say, maybe even some photos submitted by users displaying before-and-after results.

Return policy is at least 60 days

Both products come with a decent money-back guarantee. We found differing information as to the exact length - most places on the Skinception site prominently display the 67-day period (or 60 days to try it and a week to return it), but in a few spots the company references a 90-day period - but you can rest assured that you've got at least two months to try these anti-aging treatments and see how they work for you.

Show us the results

As we mentioned, Skinception is a Leading Edge Health sub-brand; that company has an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, so we're not worried about your ability to take advantage of the satisfaction guarantee or any other aspect of how this business operates. However, for anti-aging products that promise to improve the look of your skin, it's always nice to see photos to prove it. Skinception not only doesn't show you any, but they also don't post their customers' reviews. That's a big downside in our book.

Might be effective, but we need more proof

Could you get amazing results with either Kollagen Intensiv or Instant Wrinkle Reducer? Sure. Is it guaranteed? Not exactly, but you can get your money back. Still, there are lots of other anti-aging creams and treatments on the market, and to earn a higher rating from us, Skinception needs to offer more proof of their products' effectiveness.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interruptor

• $168 for a 1.7 oz jar
• Scientifically-researched skincare
• Lots of five-star customer ratings
• Part of the L'Oreal Groupe

As part of the L'Oreal Groupe, SkinCeuticals is "the #1 Medical Aesthetic Skincare brand worldwide" . More than 30 years of research and 40+ clinical studies have gone into the anti-aging products they offer, which are often used in conjunction with in-office procedures and professional skin treatments.

Powerful ingredients

The active ingredients of A.G.E. Interruptor include 4% Blueberry Extract, 30% Proxylane, and 0.2% Phytosphingosine. Those last two are a mouthful, but all three components work together to correct and prevent damage caused by glycation: when glucose molecules stick to collagen and elastin, which then results in skin becoming thin, wrinkled and crepe-y.

Use once or twice daily

Use this anti-aging product once or twice per day, massaging an even, thin layer on your face, neck and chest. It is recommended that you apply it after a vitamin C antioxidant serum if using in the AM, and after a retinol application when using in the PM.

Very expensive

The big pain point for A.G.E. Interruptor is the price. You'll pay a staggering $168 for a 1.7 oz jar: that's two to five times more expensive than most of the rival anti-aging creams in our review. Is it worth it? That's what we wanted to find out.

Generally good reviews

We found quite a few five-star reviews from very happy customers. And, in one clinical trial, only 20% saw an improvement in lines and wrinkles over 12 weeks of use, but 89% said that their skin's appearance and texture had changed significantly for the better. Some reviewers said it can take some trial and error to find the sweet spot between rubbing it in too much (which can make the cream flake or pill) and not enough (which can leave a dry, white film). The good news is that most people say that a little goes a long way, so your $168 jar might last a month or more, depending on how often you're applying it and how much you use each time.

No clear satisfaction guarantee

What if you try this anti-aging cream and it doesn't work for you? Can you get your money back? That depends on where you buy it, but unfortunately most retailers of A.G.E. Interruptor will only accept returns if the package is in unopened, unused condition. That could make for a pretty expensive experiment.

Other anti-aging products are effective and less costly

A.G.E. Interruptor earns our lowest ranking among anti-aging creams. We're not concerned about the product's quality or its effectiveness, but most people can get "good enough" results with a far less expensive treatment. If you've got money to burn, there's no reason to avoid using SkinCeuticals' regimen, but budget-conscious shoppers should look at the higher-ranked anti-aging products instead.